Alek Bélanger is an abstract painter and film-maker. Tapping into personal experience and inspired by the complexities of nature, his work conveys a variety of themes and emotions. From his home in Montreal, Canada, he spoke to Breathe about the creative impulses that inform his art

Tell us a little about yourself and what first inspired you to paint…

I am from a small town called New Liskeard in Northern Ontario, Canada. I grew up living in this isolated place, so nature became my best friend in some ways. That’s why my early work is heavily inspired by nature, because it was my easiest access to creativity. Also, because I lived in such a rural location, I became comfortable being alone, which is a skill that has allowed me to explore deep reflection artistically.

When did you start painting? Were you encouraged or influenced by anyone in particular?

I learned how to pick up a paintbrush before a pencil because I grew up in an artistic household. My mom is an artist – she teaches visual art – so I was encouraged to be creative and imaginative. I remember creating stories as a child and my mom would compile the images and bind them with a stapler. She would say: ‘Oh, my gosh. Congratulations! This is your first book.’ She had these ideas of honouring creativity when I was young.